GOING FOR THE TROPHY

MICHAEL GRIMES DIPS INTO THE NON-LEAGUE WORLD TO CATCH SOME KNOCK-OUT CUP FOOTBALL

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IT'S late August and I'm at the home of Northwood for their game against Hanworth Villa in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy.

For me, it’s a quick trip on the Metropolitan line and a few stops past Wembley, where the final will be held next May.

Despite the geographical nearness, it is the proverbial million miles away for these two sides - Woods, who play in Southern League Division One Central, and the Villains, who line up in the Isthmian South Central. Both clubs play in Step 4 of Non-League - or the eighth tier overall of English football.

Both are as unlikely to get to Wembley as Grimsby Town in the FA Cup.